History making robots from Husqvarna prepare course for the AIG Women’s Open
Husqvarna – world leaders in robotic mowing and official supplier of the AIG Women’s Open, announced that robots are cutting the playing surfaces for a major golf championship in the United Kingdom for the first time in history.
With preparations underway for the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales, the robotic mowers have been exclusively cutting the course’s fairways and practice area. The innovation operates via an Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS) that enables robotic mowers to operate autonomously within virtual boundaries, via a satellite connection.
In a first for an R&A championship, a fleet of 15 robotic mowers including Husqvarna’s CEORA and Automower models will begin work at 1.30am to cut Royal Porthcawl’s fairways, supporting the home greenkeeping team as they prepare the course for the largest women’s sporting event ever to be played in Wales. The robotic mowers finish at around 5am, before being returned to recharge – clearing the way for the greenkeeping team to commence their vital daily tasks.
The R&A Sustainable Agronomy team, golf’s governing body (outside of United States and Mexico), continues to explore new technologies that deliver high performance golf courses in a sustainable way, and the use of robots for the first time at a global championship, aims to showcase innovations in sustainable golf course maintenance on one of the biggest stages in world golf.
Richard Windows Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy at The R&A, said: “The R&A’s agronomy team across the globe is focused on delivering high performance surfaces in a sustainable way. At the AIG Women’s Open, the Husqvarna portfolio is helping us deliver this goal through improved resource management, regular lightweight mowing and reduced carbon usage.”
The robotic models are also electric powered, which produce zero direct emissions, compared to other diesel-powered machines that typically work lengthy hours to prepare a venue to a high enough standard for the biggest tournaments and the world’s best players.
Three-time major champion, Anna Nordqvist, celebrated the quality of Royal Porthcawl ahead of taking on the AIG Women’s Open this week: “I’ve played this course a few times and honestly, I didn’t think it could get much better, but I’ve never seen it looking and playing so well. I’m really excited to get out there and play golf on the biggest stage, in these top conditions.”
Course Manager Ian Kinley has championed the use of robotic technology at Royal Porthcawl since first working with Husqvarna in January. Throughout the championship, autonomous technology will enable his team to focus their efforts upon other key areas of the course, such as the greens, tees and bunkers.
Ian Kinley, Course Manager at Royal Porthcawl, said: “With the AIG Women’s Open set to be the largest-ever women’s sporting event in Wales, we know there’s tremendous pressure to produce playing surfaces that are worthy of such a high-profile event. It’s been priceless to be able to lean on the support of the Husqvarna team as we prepare for the championship.
“Autonomous machinery aligns closely with our commitment to more sustainable practices at Royal Porthcawl. We’re invested in using robots on our course long term and we’re incredibly proud to be one of the first venues in the world to use this technology during the hosting of one of golf’s major championships.”
Glen Instone, President of Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division, said: “Husqvarna has been building robotic mowers for the professional market exclusively in Europe for 30 years and we’re delighted that the technology has advanced to the level where it is being embraced by the golf industry including one of the game’s biggest stages at the AIG Women’s Open.
“Our journey with Royal Porthcawl began with Course Manager Ian Kinley’s desire to work with more sustainable solutions and his consideration of how the role of a modern golf greenkeeper may be changing. Ian’s faith in our technology, coupled with collaboration from The R&A’s championship agronomy team, is a source of immense pride for everyone at Husqvarna.”
Throughout the AIG Women’s Open a team of Husqvarna experts will be on hand to support the championship in the deployment of 15 Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS and two Automower 580L EPOS.
